James "Jim" A. Krische

James “Jim” A. Krische, age 91, of Winnebago, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Ascension Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, IL.

He was born the son of Frank A. and Pauline M. (Melchior) Krische on June 24, 1933. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Hayden High School. Jim was drafted into the United States Army and served his country with pride during the Korean War as a PFC. Jim returned to Topeka after his honorable discharge and on April 21, 1956, he married Marilyn D. Straub at the Church of the Assumption. Together, they shared almost 67 years of marriage before Marilyn’s passing on February 22, 2023.

Throughout his career, Jim worked in various positions for retail clothing stores. He was a longtime district manager and also owned and operated his own clothing store. Never one to truly retire, Jim worked even harder at his golf game. It was a longtime passion he excelled at, and it allowed him to meet and gain lifelong friends while on the course. He was a United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) Master Golf Teaching Professional and taught at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL for 13 years during which time he was named Part-Time Teacher of the Year. 

Survivors include his son, Steve Krische; daughter, Cindy Reed (Scott); daughter, Jan Gettys (Jonathan); six grandchildren, Dr. Michael Reed, Daniel Reed, David Reed, Nicole Neely, LeighAnn Krische, and Silas Krische; five great-grandchildren, Victor Neely, Antonio Dunn, Roman Dunn, Ra Delaney and Donabella Krische. Other survivors include two brothers, Larry Krische and Bob Krische; as well as a sister, Lois Phillips (Tom).

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn; grandson, Matthew Reed; brothers, Fr. Frank Krische, Msgr. Vincent Krische and sister, Joan Boos; two sisters-in-law, Lynne Krische and Sue Krische; as well as a brother-in-law, Don Boos.

He will lie in state from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M., followed by a rosary at 10:00 A.M., on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 A.M., at the church. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.